SouthHighSucks.com > News Archive >

MAY 15, 2005--According to the Star Tribune, Minneapolis schools will soon get new "area superintendents." Superintendent Thandiwe Peebles and her cronies want to divide the district into three zones: North, Central, and South. The lines haven't been mapped yet, but this gambit is far from new. This is the third time since the 1960's that the district has tried to implement this type of scheme. The most recent attempt was a five-office plan devised by former superintendent Carol Johnson. Johnson's effort was abandoned due to budget cuts. The Strib said that this plan could create better coordination between schools and allow for better supervision of principals. Improved student achievement might follow--but maybe not.

Currently, there are three area superintendents divided by grade level--Robert McCauley for high schools, Kathy Burke for K-5 schools, and Eleanor Coleman for middle and K-8 schools. Those people will be allowed to apply to fill the new area superintendent positions. The district also plans to hire one or more accountants, as per an auditor's recommendation.

Analysis: Sounds "great"--reshuffle the administrators, open extra offices, claim you're doing something and then do nothing of substance. Why not fire these administrators and pay for more classroom supplies and school library materials so that students can actually learn? Meanwhile, the budget is so badly prepared and the records are so bad that the district is getting more accountants--and after Enron, Tyco and WorldCom, accountants are in great demand and they won't come cheap. I wish district officials would at least allow me to flush my money down the toilet myself--at least I could enjoy the show.--Dr. Vinny, Founder & Publisher

Comment on this in our Message Board!